Sunday night’s matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers didn’t end in a win or a loss — but in something the NFL rarely sees: an overtime tie. The 40-40 final score marked the first tie of the season and only the fifth time in over a decade where both teams kicked overtime field goals before the clock ran out. Here’s how it happened, what the current overtime rules are, and why the league could see more ties moving forward.
What happened in Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers?
Micah Parsons returned to Dallas to face his former teammates, and his only sack of the game came at a crucial moment in overtime. The Cowboys and Packers traded short field goals in the extra period—Brandon Aubrey for Dallas and Brandon McManus for Green Bay — with neither offense able to reach the end zone. McManus hit his field goal as time expired in overtime, making it a 40-40 tie. According to Quirky Research, it was the first time since 1973 that an NFL game ended in a tie on a walk-off field goal.This was the Cowboys’ second overtime appearance of the season. The first came after another 37–37 regulation tie, which ended in a 40-37 win over the Giants on a final-second Aubrey kick. This time, the game clock ran out before either team could break the deadlock.
What are the NFL’s current overtime rules?
Starting this season, the NFL extended its postseason overtime format to the regular season. Under the updated rule:
- Both teams are guaranteed at least one possession in overtime
- This applies even if the first team scores a touchdown
- The period remains 10 minutes long, as shortened in 2017
Previously, a touchdown on the first drive would immediately end the game. Now, both teams must get the ball at least once, unless the clock expires. While this rule didn’t directly affect the outcome of Sunday’s tie — since no touchdowns were scored in overtime — it could play a larger role in future games.
How often do overtime ties happen in the NFL?
Tied games are rare, but they do happen — especially under the 10-minute overtime format. Sunday’s game was:
- The first tie since 2022
- The fifth overtime tie since 2010 in which both teams kicked a field goal
- The first walk-off field goal in a tie since 1973, before overtime existed
Previous similar results include:
- Packers vs. Vikings (2013)
- Panthers vs. Bengals (2014)
- Cardinals vs. Seahawks (2016)
- Lions vs. Cardinals (2019)
The shorter overtime period increases the chance of a tie, especially if both teams possess the ball and time runs out before a decisive score.
Why might ties happen more often now?
The change to allow both teams a possession—combined with the 10-minute limit—could lead to more overtime ties in the regular season. If both teams score quickly and time is limited, there’s often not enough room for a third drive. The league rejected a proposal to return to 15-minute overtime, which would have given more room for resolution. Last season, according to Sportradar, 6 of 16 overtime games ended on an opening-drive touchdown, teams that won the coin toss prevailed 75% of the time, and the overall overtime win rate since the 10-minute format began stood at .606.Also read: Troy Aikman weighs in on Lamar Jackson’s hamstring setback as Ravens’ Week 5 hopes hang in the balance after rocky 1-3 startThe rule change is designed to make overtime more balanced — but the clock may still decide the final outcome.
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